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Old 05-10-2020, 10:15 AM
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Default A non-S&W parts question

I have put together a number of uppers for my target ARs, but since they were all 223/5.56, I didn't have a problem swapping BCGs. That is changing.

I am now putting together a 224 Valkyrie upper for sling thousand yard matches, and the round requires a different bolt. The vendor I most frequently use for parts is offering a choice between a Double Star and an Anderson BCG.

I know that both companies make ARs, but I am not aware of their reputation for quality. Can anyone offer some insight about either company's reputation for quality?

As a significant footnote: it is my understanding that I MUST use a BCG designed for an AR, not an M16 due to state law.
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Old 05-10-2020, 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by lrrifleman View Post
I have put together a number of uppers for my target ARs, but since they were all 223/5.56, I didn't have a problem swapping BCGs. That is changing.

I am now putting together a 224 Valkyrie upper for sling thousand yard matches, and the round requires a different bolt. The vendor I most frequently use for parts is offering a choice between a Double Star and an Anderson BCG.

I know that both companies make ARs, but I am not aware of their reputation for quality. Can anyone offer some insight about either company's reputation for quality?

As a significant footnote: it is my understanding that I MUST use a BCG designed for an AR, not an M16 due to state law.
The difference in the carrier between an AR and M16 is the "slot" in the lower side of the carrier; the M-16 carrier is a shorter slot on the underside, which gives the carrier a lug which contacts the sear release in a full auto trigger group. The AR slot is much longer, goes almost to the rear of the carrier body, and won't contact the sear of an auto trigger group, preventing full-auto fire (in addition to other things). A M-16 bolt carrier will work in a semiauto rifle, but doesn't give you full auto action without installing a full-auto-capable trigger group. Due to a slightly greater mass, the M-16 carrier cycles more slowly than the AR-15 carrier, but that can be adjusted by spring and buffer choices. My AR's both have M-16 carriers, but some states regulate them.

As for BCG brand, Anderson is who I'd go with, given your choices, as long as they make the AR-15 carrier. I'd buy a bolt matched to your barrel, to ensure proper headspace.


Last edited by Hair Trigger; 05-10-2020 at 10:38 AM.
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Old 05-10-2020, 02:57 PM
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Thanks.

White Oak will be providing a bolt headspaced to the barrel that I am purchasing.

I just didn't want to have to swap bolts on a single bolt carrier that I would have to swap between two uppers.
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Old 05-10-2020, 07:39 PM
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As far as the quality is concerned I have experience with both makers. Double Star is the better of the two. Anderson is OK, but just OK; Double Star is good to go. The Feds have eased restrictions on using M16 bolt carriers; most manufacturers only sell M16 carriers these days as parts and in complete guns.
I have no idea about NJ laws. I am frankly surprised AR's are legal there at all!
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Old 05-19-2020, 07:19 PM
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I don't know about your local or state law but the ATF has approved the M16 bolt to be used in Colts. The M16 bolt was in existence before the rifle was made fully automatic.
I think ATF recommends the AR bolt so you do not get in trouble. When an AR is considered by the ATF as illegal is anybody"s guess. Then there are parts for the the three shot burst.
To be fully automatic you need the bolt carrier, hammer, trigger, safety and one more part. The lower of an AR generally needs material removed to install the parts and a hole drilled to install,the parts.
If a lower has the additional hole drilled then ,I think the lower becomes federally illegal.
As stated there is a weight difference between the two style bolts so a rifle may need to be tuned for that.
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